KEMX vs VXUS
KEMX vs VXUS
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. KEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KEMX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $127M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 296 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +30.52% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +55.80% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.49% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KEMX vs VXUS Performance
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX) is a ETF from KraneShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KEMX returned +55.80% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, KEMX is up 30.52% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, KEMX compounded at +26.49% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.77% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, KEMX has the edge at +12.93% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -38.8% for KEMX and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KEMX charges 0.24% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $5 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KEMX currently yields 2.39% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KEMX and VXUS share 205 holdings out of 7937 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KEMX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:TW | 15.59% | 3.41% | 12.18% |
| 000660:KR | 5.96% | 0.90% | 5.06% |
| 2454:TW | 2.49% | 0.20% | 2.29% |
| 402340:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2308:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 009150:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2345:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings KEMX shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KEMX or VXUS?
KEMX has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KEMX or VXUS?
Over the past year KEMX returned +55.80% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so KEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), KEMX annualized +12.93% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KEMX or VXUS?
KEMX has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: KEMX -38.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KEMX and VXUS?
KEMX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between KEMX and VXUS?
KEMX and VXUS share 205 common holdings with a 11.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7937 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KEMX or VXUS?
KEMX yields 2.39% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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